Editorial VII-1990

Ecclesia orans

Periodica de Scientiis Liturgicis

YEAR VII

Editorial

The new year has begun well for «Ecclesia Orans». We are pleased to greet those friends and subscribers who have supported us faithfully from the beginning. We are equally pleased to welcome those who are only now becoming acquainted with us.

*********

«Ecclesia Orans» is remaining faithful to its founding purpose. This is made possible by the collaborative effort of numerous recognized authorities in the field of liturgical study. We are especially grateful for the recent efforts of new scholars in the field of liturgical research and pleased with the reception that they have received among our readers. Such research is a living proof that the «race» of liturgists is in no danger of extinction. The future of Liturgical Studies will be in competent hands. Surely, juxtaposing the names and works of those new to our discipline with those of established merit serves as a real encouragement for those at the very beginning of their careers and research as liturgists.
Without getting involved in the purely pastoral aspects of certain topics, frequently brought up for examination, discussed but never resolved, perhaps it would be helpful to enter scientifically into the debate. We have in the past on occasion, but rarely. We might presently consider, for instance, the problem of the sacrament of Confirmation. We seem to be moving towards concrete solutions (the so-called «pastoral» solutions) but in contradiction, not only to the entire tradition, Roman included, but also, it seems, in contradiction to the entire theology of Sacrament. This theology, already impoverished from the time of Faustus of Riez, would surely merit new study and publications, for example, of little known texts in the area under consideration. One could also seriously examine how the pastoral dimension seems to neglect a ritual tradition of almost 14 centuries. Another issue to examine is how the theology of Sacrament is not being realized in the praxis of the liturgical tradition. Let us legitimately reflect as well upon the present Rite of Confirmation, the particulars of which are in flagrant opposition to the Praenotanda. Historical and theological research could open new avenues and redirect forms of creativity that seem to ignare the entire tradition and threaten to submerge us in serious difficulties. We might consider as well the Epiclesis of our present Eucharistic Prayers, which often seems to be at the margins of a truly Eucharistic meaning of Epiclesis. Another area for our concern is the present impossibility of translating the Oriental Anaphoras in our own languages for their eventual use, from an ecumenical perspective, in our celebrations. To study anew these problems, Without repeating ourselves from past researches, bringing new textual, traditional and theological elements to light, could lead to important clarifications, and perhaps too, demonstrate, that in certain cases, a «reform»... can itself be «reformed».
We repeat, in closing, our request of last year to all of our subscribers: Please, keep us informed of your opinions and Wishes. Your collaboration in this regard would help this publication remain at the level of your expectations and guarantee its progress in the future.